Elizabeth Latimore Boyle

Elizabeth Latimore Boyle

Born Washington D.C. in 1929 to Katharine Beach and Lt. Commander Thomas Calloway Latimore, Jr., Elizabeth (Betsy) Grayson Latimore Boyle died December 15, 2016 in Seattle. Though the military family moved frequently during her early years, Chattanooga was home. It was there her lifelong pursuit of social justice began.

An undergraduate degree in

English gave her entry to journalism at New York Herald Tribune.

Pursuing an intellectual curiosity for language, Betsy completed post graduate study in linguistics. She moved to Hong Kong and later Taipei, teaching and editing a Cantonese language textbook for the US State Department.

A passion for cooking began while in Taiwan. Betsy returned to the U.S. in 1970 with her husband and son making Seattle home. Neighbors and friends learned her love of food through ethnically inspired meals at her table for the next 46 years.

After spending a summer in Egypt and learning the nutritious value of falafel, Betsy founded Small World Foods in Seattle. The vegetarian delights were available at University of Washington's student cafeteria, food festivals, and in groceries.

Tennis, skiing, and hiking enabled the physical exertion Betsy craved, and more importantly led to lifelong friendships.

Betsy is survived by her son, Brian (Malin), grandsons Tom and Henry Boyle, sister Katharine Latimore Taff, and a large extended family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sierra Club or Southern Poverty Law Center.

A service will occur Thursday, July 13 at 10:30 a.m. at University Unitarian Church 6556 35th Ave NE, Seattle.